Walker has high-ankle sprain; Mayfield to start Week 11

The Panthers announced Monday morning that QB Baker Mayfield will start Sunday's game at Baltimore. That's because P.J. Walker suffered a high-ankle sprain in Thursday's win over the Falcons, interim HC Steve Wilks revealed. Mayfield most recently tallied 155 yards and 2 TDs in 2nd-half mop-up duty of the lopsided Week 9 loss at Cincinnati. Before that, of course, he played terrible through the 1st 5 games. The team also reportedly has "some interest in seeing Sam Darnold in action at some point," a ringing endorsement by way of ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Here's hoping you don't need to use a Carolina QB in your fantasy football lineup anytime soon.

The Panthers will start QB P.J. Walker again Thursday night against the Falcons. Walker got pulled for Baker Mayfield at halftime of Sunday's lopsided to the Bengals, and Carolina activated QB Sam Darnold from IR on Monday morning. But the short week leading up to their next game likely contributed to the decision not to make a starter switch. Walker, of course, threw for 317 yards in the Week 8 win at Atlanta. Keep in mind, though, that he only completed 52.8% of his passes in that game and generated 62 of his yards on the single Hail Mary-style throw to WR D.J. Moore at the end of regulation. We'd still try not to use Walker in fantasy football lineups. We'll see about the team's QB plans beyond Week 10.

Panthers interim HC Steve Wilks said Monday that he's sticking with QB P.J. Walker for the Week 9 game against the Bengals. Walker followed an efficient passing day in the Week 7 win over the Bucs with 317 yards in Sunday's OT loss to the Falcons. Walker completed just 52.8% of his passes for the game, with a game-tying 62-yard TD at the end of regulation and an INT. Walker doesn't make for a great fantasy play himself. He has been good for WR D.J. Moore through 2 starts, though.

Panthers interim HC Steve Wilks said Monday that QB P.J. Walker will start this weekend's game vs. the Falcons, even if QBs Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are ready to return from their ankle injuries. Walker was efficient in Sunday's shocking win over the Bucs, completing 16 of 22 passes (73%) for 177 yards (8.1 YPA), 2 TDs and 0 INTs. Most importantly, he got WR D.J. Moore going. The pair connected on 7 of 10 targets for 69 yards and 1 score. Walker remains a bottom-barrel fantasy option, but Moore is back in the WR3 mix for Week 8.

Panthers HC Steve Wilks said Wednesday that QB P.J. Walker will start Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Walker threw for just 60 yards before leading the Week 6 loss with a neck issue. It doesn't sound like the team is concerned about that injury. The Panthers also designated QB Sam Darnold to return from IR Wednesday, though we'll see if he's ready for a spot on the active roster this week. Jacob Eason served as Walker's backup in Week 6.

Panthers QB P.J. Walker was knocked out of Sunday's loss to the Rams with a 4th-quarter neck injury. QB Jacob Eason mopped up, completing 3 of 5 passes for 59 yards and a pick. We'll see if Walker is available for Week 7 -- and if Carolina sticks with him. Walker mustered just 60 yards on 10-of-16 passing today. QBs Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are unlikely to be ready for Week 7 with their ankle injuries.